Performance and Limitations Flashcards
How is performance affected as air becomes less dense ?
less engine power
less thrust
less lift
What is standard atmosphere at sea level ?
15C 29.92 Hg
What are standard temp and pressure lapse rates ?
2C per 1000 ft to 36K
1 in Hg per 1000 ft to 10K
What is pressure altitude ?
Height Baseline for calibrating barometric altimeter
Measured highest and lowest pressures globally
31.00 on high end
28.00 on low end
PA of 29.92 in middle
Why is Pressure altitude important ?
basis for performance
traffic separation
assigning flight levels
Method for determining pressure altitude ?
set baro to 29.92 and read indicated altitude flight computer (using indicated and Hg)
What is density altitude ?
PA corrected for non-standard Temp
How does air density affect performance ?
density increases, better performance
density decreases, poor performance
How is density altitude determined ?
find PA, then correct for non-standard temp variations
What does density altitude mean to aircraft performance ?
The aircraft will perform as if it was at that altitude.
normally aspirated engines
What factors affect density altitude ?
changes in
altitude
temperature
humidity
What effect does atmospheric pressure have on air density ?
its proportional
higher pressure causes higher density altitude
What effect does temperature have on air density ?
varies inversely
warmer causes density decrease
colder causes density increase
What effect does humidity have on air density ?
as water vapor increase, density decreases
What is relative humidity ?
percentage of maximum amount of water vapor the air can hold
What effect does landing at high-elevation airports have on ground speed ?
true airspeed is faster, resulting in faster ground speed.
greater distance to clear obstacles
longer ground roll etc
What are some of the elements of aircraft performance ?
Takeoff distance landing distance rate-of-climb ceiling payload Range Speed Maneuverability Stability Fuel economy
What is relationship to lift, weight thrust in steady state flight ?
lift = weight thrust = drag
What are the types of drag ?
induced (wing drag)
parasitic (aircraft skin)
What is induced drag ?
drag as a by-product of lift
What is parasitic drag ?
friction of air moving over the aircraft
How does drag increase as speed increases ?
2x speed = 4x drag
Define the term “service ceiling”
Max altitude of aircraft where
Vy = 100 FPM
Max weight
Will aircraft always be able to climb at service ceiling ?
No, depends on density altitude